Local libraries are receiving a push from the New York State Education Department, as they announced $24 million in state aid has been awarded to 230 public libraries.

According to a news release, the money comes from capital funds for State Aid for Library Construction, provided in the 2017-18 State Budget, and will be allocated for construction and renovation projects.

The Four County Library System, which includes Broome, Chenango, Delaware and Otsego counties, will receive a combined $665,794. The highest amount goes to the William B. Ogden Free Library in Walton, where $201,273 has been earmarked for the rehabilitation of its roof and adjacent structures.

The circulation desk at the Binghamton Public Library in the 1960s.(Photo: Broome County Public Library photo)

To the Finger Lakes Library System, which includes libraries in Cayuga, Seneca, Tioga and Tompkins counties, the State Education Department has awarded $666,689, with the largest sum awarded to Edith B. Ford Memorial Library in Ovid. That library will receive $335,877 for the second phase of its new library building including electrical, plumbing, HVAC and mill work.

“New York’s libraries are in urgent need of renovation and upgrading to meet the increasing needs of the children, families and adults they serve every day,” Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa said in a statement. “These funds are not just investments in our public libraries but investments in our communities.”

Books on desk in library at the elementary school(Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Other libraries also received funding to improve broadband infrastructure, meet energy efficiency standards, renovate facilities to provide full accessibility to library users with disabilities and provide meeting spaces to accommodate community needs.

“Public libraries support communities in many ways – from providing early childhood programs, summer reading programs and afterschool activities to helping job-seekers find employment and offering internet access to the community,” State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia said in a statement. “That’s why it’s so important to invest in our libraries across the state."

According to a news release, funding is allocated based on the library's eligibility and follows a detailed application process.

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Construction funds are allocated to New York State’s 23 public library systems based on formulas in Education Law.

First, member libraries apply for the funds allocated to their public library system — up to 75 percent of their project could be funded. Then, each library system’s governing Board of Trustees prioritizes the projects and sends the approved applications to the New York State Library.